TAC’s response on decision to privatise Channel 4

5 April 2022

TAC, the trade body for TV production in Wales today issued the following statement on the Government’s intended privatisation of Channel 4:

Dyfrig Davies, Chair of TAC, said:

“This is very disappointing news, as there is no evidence to show the need for this drastic move and we believe firmly that a privatisation will take Channel 4 in a more commercial direction, threatening its unique position in our media ecology.”

Channel 4 has enabled the development of a thriving independent production sector and analysis shows that in 2019 Channel 4 contributed £20m to GVA in Wales and supported 200 jobs. Channel 4’s initial investment in Welsh production companies in North and South Wales has enabled them to grow and develop their businesses. This could be lost if it leaves public ownership and refocuses on redistributing profits to private owners and shareholders.

Looking ahead, TAC will seek to ensure Channel 4’s publisher-broadcaster model, which sees it work with so many up and coming production companies across the UK, is preserved. We also need to ensure Channel 4 doesn’t return to a more London-centric commissioning structure. Continuing the ‘4 All the UK’ strategy would secure efforts to ensure greater UK-wide representation in TV and support levelling up.

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